Name: Audi A6 Review
Item: Audi A6
Author: Gumtree.com

Around since 2002, the RS6 (the most powerful version of Audi’s A6) is now in its fourth iteration. It was once available as either a saloon or estate, but since 2013 Audi only offers the estate (called Avant). The basic idea is to combine a family-friendly load-lugger with insane levels of power, and the petrol-only 2020 model will take you to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds! It’s not cheap, but if that very specific combination is your bag, there are no cheaper alternatives.

Read the full review or head to our Audi model page to learn more.

What we think about the Audi RS6

The RS6 keeps everything we like about the Audi A6 with the addition of eye-watering performance and sporty styling.

Pros

Very practical in estate form

Immensely powerful

Good handling and comfort

Cons

–

Not cheap to run

–

Will you use all that power?

The RS6 is available in three trim levels: RS6, Carbon Black and Vorsprung – the latter specs include, unsurprisingly, a styling package in either carbon or gloss black. The only available engine is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol, but trust us, that’s all the engine you’re going to need.

Driving performance of the Audi A6

Our Driving Rating9 / 10

For such a beast, the RS6 is quite easy to live with every day, with a comfortable ride thanks to the (standard) air suspension and manoeuvrability from the (also standard) all-wheel drive. Always fast in a straight line, the RS6 hasn’t always had the handling to match, but Audi has done a lot of work in this regard and the surefooted, fun-to-drive latest model is the culmination of that.

Safety and reliability of the Audi A6

Our Safety Rating9 / 10

Though the RS6 has never been tested, the Audi A6 that it’s based on has consistently received a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP since 2004; it also comes loaded with pretty much every imaginable piece of safety tech. Reliability is very unlikely to become a concern for you either. The fact is, it’s an Audi, and most of the technology and mechanics have been tried and tested on other wickedly reliable offerings from the same make.

Under the bonnet of the Audi A6

Our Engine Rating9 / 10

The 4.0 twin-turbo V8 petrol engine has 600 bhp at its disposal with a 0-62 mph time of just 3.6 seconds. Thanks to the 800 N.m of torque (2.5 times that of the petrol unit in a standard A6), it has plenty of low-down power and you won’t have to work it hard to get it moving. If you do work it hard though, get ready for a thrill ride – it’ll pin you back in your seat!

What you'll find in the Audi A6

Our Design Rating8 / 10

It’s not understated but it’s not brash either, though the looks are a little more in-your-face than previous generations. The 2020 model is much more angular, and the front end’s sizeable air intakes may not be to everyone’s taste. There’s no denying it’s a looker though, and the whopping 22″ alloys certainly help. What is notable is the fact that most of the bodywork is unique to the RS6, so it’s not just a spruced-up A6.

Comfort and interiors in the Audi A6

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

The inside of the RS6 feels modern and well built – somewhere you can see yourself spending some considerable time. There are comfortable, RS-branded leather seats with plenty of legroom for all. The same goes for the driver’s seat, where you’ve also got access to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel. The major selling point of this car, however, is how it dovetails speed and practicality, and the 565-litre boot (1680 litres with seats down) doesn’t disappoint in this regard.

What features you'll find in the Audi A6

Our Features Rating8 / 10

As well as the Virtual Cockpit screen behind the steering wheel, the infotainment system is now two 10.1-inch touchscreens. These gizmos have haptic feedback which simulates physical button presses much like a modern smartphone. Speaking of, there’s now wireless Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. And for the audiophiles, the sound system is an impressive Bang & Olufsen setup – just in case you somehow get tired of the gorgeous sonic swells of that V8 engine.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Audi A6

Our Fuel Consumption Rating6 / 10

We’re assuming this isn’t going to come as a surprise to you, but fuel efficiency is not the primary concern of this car. Expect figures of 22.1 to 22.6 mpg in the 2020 model, which even employs some clever tech wizardry to save fuel (tech that was not in earlier versions of the RS6). Those numbers may make you gulp, but considering the power on offer, they could be worse – and they are comparable to rival offerings.

Running costs of the Audi A6

Our Cost Rating6 / 10

Running a car of this calibre won’t be cheap – in addition to the fuel costs, the group 50 insurance will be costly too. That price is before considering the cost of parts and servicing, likely to be higher thanks to the performance nature of the RS6. But you knew that already didn’t you? So, no, it won’t be cheap, but we’re in sports car territory here, and when you compare it to brands like Porsche, it suddenly doesn’t look so expensive.

Our verdict of the Audi A6

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

If you want blistering performance with high levels of practicality there are very few cars in this league. There are alternatives, but for us, Audi gets the balance just right.

Audi RS6 Review